The Gunners are set to face Los Rojiblancos in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals that will take place on Wednesday at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has confirmed a significant reshuffle to his travelling squad ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final against Atlético Madrid, with mixed news regarding the availability of his star attackers.
The Gunners are scheduled to face Los Rojiblancos in the Spanish capital on Wednesday in a fixture that could define their pursuit of a historic domestic and European double.
Arteta, who is currently juggling a Premier League title race with continental ambitions, revealed on Tuesday that while his team will be without one of its most versatile forwards, two other players have been cleared to play at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
The most discouraging update involves Kai Havertz, who has been officially ruled out of the first-leg encounter. The German international was forced from the field during the first half against Newcastle, and despite initial hopes of a quick recovery, the medical team has determined he is not fit to participate.
However, the blow is softened by the confirmed fitness of Eberechi Eze, who has successfully got through a late assessment after his own precautionary withdrawal on Saturday.
“Kai is out and Ebs is ready to go,” Arteta stated during his pre-match press conference.
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Calafiori returns to boost depleted defence
In a move that provides a vital boost to the squad’s defensive bulk, Riccardo Calafiori has been included in the travelling party and is expected to be involved in Madrid.
The Italian defender has faced a frustrating period since December, having struggled to maintain a consistent run in the starting XI due to minor setbacks, but his presence could be essential against a physical Atlético side.
His return is particularly timely given the confirmed absence of Jurrien Timber, who has been sidelined for over a month. Arteta noted that while the Dutchman is making progress on the grass, he is not yet at a level where he can compete with the senior group.
“Jurrien is not in the squad,” the Spanish coach confirmed ahead of Wednesday’s clash.
“We don’t know [when he’ll be back] yet. He’s doing some stuff on the pitch at the moment, but we need to get the gears up and be able to do more things before he can compete with us.”
Arsenal enter this semi-final as the current Premier League leaders with 73 points after 34 matches, a position solidified by Eze‘s early decisive goal against the Magpies.